The Urban Golfer

Points of Differentiation

You can find Patrick Barr during evenings in Soho. I’ve often seen him at the triangle intersection of Spring, Lafayette, and Cleveland — naturally called Petrosino Square. Let’s call it Soho Triangle.

He lined up a dozen milk cartons stuffed with newspapers and grabbed a golf club. I wasn’t in a rush and was intrigued, so I stopped to chat with him.

“What’s the target?” I asked with a smile.

“See that trash can at the end of the Citibikes?”

“That seems…difficult.”

“Yep, that’s by design. Urban Golf is meant to be a challenge.”

Then he pointed me to the art that was strung between two signposts next to him.

Patrick Barr, who kiddingly refers to himself as Tiger Hood and Nappy Gilmore, is a photographer. He sells his work, often with witty titles and implying social commentary, while he passes the time by “golfing”.

I’ve seen hundreds of street vendors in dozens of cities. Many sold photographs. But this one stood out.

And that’s the cool thing about points of differentiation. They’re often simple, but have a lasting impact. Whether you’re a street vendor selling photos or a Fortune 500 brand crafting digital strategies, never do [just] what they all do.

Be different. It’s refreshing.